In a media industry often criticized for its lack of diversity and representation, there are a few voices trying to change things. One of those voices is Xuezhu Jenny Wang, an immigrant journalist and entrepreneur who sits at the helm of IMPULSE Magazine, a publication focused on giving voice to underrepresented communities, particularly immigrants and women in the arts.
Born out of a desire to address the unique challenges faced by immigrant artists, IMPULSE quickly established itself as a platform for advocacy and change. And Wang’s personal journey plays a central role in its mission.
After moving to the United States, Wang experienced firsthand the bureaucratic hurdles and emotional strain that many immigrants endure, particularly in the creative industries. From visa restrictions to the often precarious nature of freelance work, these issues form the backbone of the stories IMPULSE seeks to tell.
“I wanted to create a space where immigrant artists could share their stories, not only as a way to showcase their talent but also to highlight the struggles they face behind the scenes,” Wang explains. “We aim to present a more human, multifaceted view of immigration — one that captures both the beauty and the hardships of the journey.”
Inspiration for IMPULSE came from Wang’s role as the writer-in-residence for The Immigrant Artist Biennial 2023. During this period, she conducted in-depth interviews with artists from around the world, many of whom were navigating complex immigration processes, including the O-1 visa, known for its high demands on applicants. She heard stories of creatives who were forced to overwork to meet stringent requirements, or worse, found themselves in exploitative personal relationships just to secure their legal status.
These interviews, rich in personal anecdotes and raw emotion, formed the foundation for IMPULSE’s editorial approach. “When you’re sitting across from someone who has poured their heart into their work only to be met with legal barriers or financial instability, you can’t help but feel a responsibility to amplify their voice,” says Wang. “This is why IMPULSE exists, to give these artists the platform they deserve.”
Beyond its focus on individual stories, IMPULSE is also committed to exploring broader societal issues related to immigration and cultural displacement. One of its most ambitious projects is the “Migration in Dialogue” series, which invites thinkers, artists, and policymakers to engage in conversations around border disputes, migration, and the often-overlooked emotional toll of displacement. By bringing together voices from across the globe, IMPULSE aims to create a more nuanced understanding of the immigrant experience, one that transcends borders and speaks to shared human struggles.
Recognizing the changing media landscape, Wang has focused on building the magazine’s audience through partnerships with influential media outlets and a strong emphasis on social media as a driver for organic growth. By leveraging these platforms, she hopes to expand the reach of IMPULSE and ensure the stories of immigrant artists are not confined to niche audiences but are part of a broader cultural conversation.
“The goal is not just to raise awareness,” Wang notes. “We want IMPULSE to be a catalyst for change. Whether it’s through shifting public perception or influencing policy, we believe that storytelling has the power to make a real impact.”
To that end, the magazine has featured contributors like Atreya Mathur from the Center for Art Law, who has written extensively on the legal intricacies of the O-1 visa application process. Through this collaboration, IMPULSE provides immigrant artists with crucial resources and information that can help them navigate the often opaque legal landscape. Similarly, the magazine has showcased the stories of immigrant couples and creatives, including the celebrated professor Reiko Fueting from the Manhattan School of Music, who reflects on his journey from East Germany to the U.S. in pursuit of his artistic career.
Wang envisions the publication as a continuously evolving space, one that adapts to the needs of its contributors while remaining rooted in its mission to uplift marginalized voices. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but this is just the beginning. There’s so much more work to be done, and I’m excited to see where we go from here.”
